How 3 Councils Are Recruiting with The Adventures of the Muddy Lions

If you haven’t read about the film “Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions” on Scouting Newsroom or heard from the director Praheme at the All Markets Strategy Summit, then you might not know this film is making some impressive strides in membership growth for councils across the country. From Maryland to Texas to Florida, the movie is energizing and inspiring dozens of youth to join Scouting. Want to know how the film can work for your council or troop? Continue reading below to discover how three councils have already used the film as a learning and recruiting tool.

1. Sam Houston Area Council

Following a ceremony honoring parents and outstanding children in the community, the Sam Houston Area Council treated guests (and many influential community leaders) to a red carpet movie premiere and screening of “Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions.” The result? Nineteen boys decided to join Scouting as members of the Good Gang Muddy Lions Troop 291. The troop is chartered at The Community of Faith Church, which also happens to be one of the first churches to screen the film in Houston.

2. Gulf Stream Council

Amidst rising gang violence and other youth-related issues, the Gulf Stream Area Council chartered Troop 772 in Fort Pierce, Fla., to help combat the area’s growing gang problems. The council held a screening for “Muddy Lions” in the community’s most challenged junior high school and quickly saw positive results. Not only did viewers connect with the film, Troop 772 has a wait list to join! “We now have plans to share ‘Troop 491’ in our other hard-to-serve areas,” Scout Executive Jeff Isaac said. Get this troop’s full story on Scouting Newsroom.

3. Baltimore Area Council

In partnership with the Baltimore International Black Film Festival (BIBFF), the Baltimore Area Council attracted more than 100 people to a screening of the film. Guests included Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and their families, along with some special appearances by stars of the film and director, Praheme. After the film, attendees participated in a question and answer session where viewers shared insights on how closely they identified with characters in the film. The event was a major success and one Cub Scout even proclaimed it his favorite movie, while another gave it “a rating of 17 stars.” How much more enthusiastic does it get than that?

Learn how your council can follow suit by checking out www.bsamuddylions.org and consider hosting a movie screening in your area!